Quick Answer: Aquarium entrance fees in South Africa vary depending on the facility’s scale and location. Standard single-entry adult ticket prices at world-class coastal aquariums range from R245 to R280 (Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town and uShaka Sea World in Durban). Inland and municipal facilities—such as the National Zoo Aquarium in Pretoria or Bayworld in Gqeberha—offer budget-friendly entry ranging from R30 to R110 per adult. Discounted rates are available for children, students, pensioners, and South African citizens through birthday specials and afternoon passes.
Aquarium Entrance Fees in South Africa: Complete Pricing Guide
South Africa is home to some of the southern hemisphere’s most magnificent marine facilities, showcasing marine life from both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Whether you are exploring the tropical displays at uShaka Sea World in Durban, the kelp forests of the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, or the inland aquatic exhibits in Pretoria, knowing ticket prices and discount options helps you budget effectively.
Here is a full breakdown of entrance fees, ticket types, special discounts, and annual membership options for South Africa’s top aquariums.
1. Two Oceans Aquarium (Cape Town, Western Cape)
Located at the V&A Waterfront, the Two Oceans Aquarium highlights the unique marine biodiversity where the cold Atlantic and warm Indian Oceans meet.
Standard Ticket Rates
| Visitor Category | On-Site & Online Ticket Price |
| Adults | R280.00 |
| Youth (14 to 17 years) | R210.00 |
| Children (4 to 13 years) | R130.00 |
| Children (Under 4 years) | Free |
| SA Pensioners & Students (Valid SA ID/Student Card Required) | R210.00 |
Discounts & Special Offers
- Birthday Month Special: South African citizens receive free entry on their birthday or on any single day during their birthday month (valid SA ID or birth certificate required).
- After 3 PM Special: During South African school terms, tickets purchased at the on-site ticket office after 15:00 are offered at discounted rates (Adults: R210, Youth: R158, Children: R97).
- Annual Membership: Unlimited access for 12 months costs R670 for adults, R520 for youth/pensioners/students, and R330 for children (ages 4 to 13).
2. uShaka Sea World – uShaka Marine World (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
uShaka Sea World is the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere, built around a realistic 1920s shipwreck inside Durban’s uShaka Marine World theme park.
Standard Ticket Rates
| Ticket Type / Category | Adult Price | Children (3–12) & Seniors | Toddlers (Under 3) |
| Sea World Aquarium Only | R245.00 | R198.00 | Free |
| Shipwreck Aquarium Pass (Off-Peak) | R126.00 | R126.00 | Free |
| Sea World & Wet ‘n Wild Combo | R366.00 | R297.00 | Free |
| Dangerous Creatures Add-on | R78.00 | R78.00 | Free |
Add-On Experiences & Encounters
- Snorkel Lagoon (30 mins): R155 per person.
- Ocean Walker Experience: R350 per person.
- Shark Dive: R258 per person (ages 8 and above).
3. National Zoological Gardens Inland Aquarium (Pretoria, Gauteng)
The Pretoria Zoo operates the largest inland marine aquarium in South Africa, featuring both fresh and saltwater species alongside its extensive reptile park and zoo grounds.
Standard Ticket Rates
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee |
| Adults | R110.00 |
| Children (2 to 17 years) | R75.00 – R80.00 |
| Toddlers (Under 2 years) | Free |
| On-site Parking Fee | R25.00 per vehicle |
Note: The single entrance ticket grants full access to the Pretoria Zoo, the Inland Marine Aquarium, and the Reptile Park.
4. Bayworld Oceanarium (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape)
Situated on the beachfront of Humewood in Gqeberha, Bayworld combines a oceanarium, snake park, and natural history museum into a single family destination.
Standard Ticket Rates
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee |
| Adults | R30.00 – R40.00 |
| Pensioners & Students | R25.00 – R35.00 |
| Children (3 to 17 years) | R20.00 – R30.00 |
| Children (Under 3 years) | Free |
5. East London Aquarium (East London, Eastern Cape)
Established in 1931, the East London Aquarium is South Africa’s oldest operating public aquarium, best known for its marine displays and coastal ocean views.
Standard Ticket Rates
| Visitor Category | Entrance Fee |
| Adults | R180.00 |
| Children (3 to 12 years) | R90.00 |
| Toddlers (Under 3 years) | Free |
South Africa Aquarium Fee Comparison Table
| Aquarium | Location | Adult Price | Child Price | Standout Feature |
| Two Oceans Aquarium | Cape Town | R280 | R130 | Ocean Basket predator display & Kelp Forest |
| uShaka Sea World | Durban | R245 | R198 | Shipwreck exhibits & dolphin/seal shows |
| East London Aquarium | East London | R180 | R90 | South Africa’s oldest public aquarium |
| Pretoria Zoo Aquarium | Pretoria | R110 | R75 – R80 | Largest inland marine aquarium in SA |
| Bayworld Oceanarium | Gqeberha | R30 – R40 | R20 – R30 | Budget combo with museum & snake park |
Tips for Saving on Aquarium Entrance Fees
- Take Advantage of Birthday Promos: Two Oceans Aquarium offers free entry for South African citizens during their birthday month.
- Buy Afternoon Passes: Look out for “After 3 PM” specials during school terms for discounted late-afternoon entry in Cape Town.
- Upgrade to an Annual Pass: If you plan to visit a major facility more than twice a year, annual memberships pay for themselves quickly and include member discounts.
- Bundle Attractions: Select combo tickets (such as uShaka’s Sea World + Wet ‘n Wild pass) to save on overall entry costs if visiting water parks on the same day.
- Bring Valid Identification: Always carry a South African ID card, driving license, or valid student/pensioner card to qualify for local rates and discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the cheapest aquarium to visit in South Africa?
Bayworld in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) offers the most affordable aquarium entry in South Africa, with adult prices ranging from R30 to R40, which also includes admission to the museum and snake park.
2. Can South African citizens visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for free on their birthday?
Yes. South African citizens can enjoy free entry on any day during their birthday month by presenting a valid South African ID document, passport, or driver’s license at the ticket office.
3. Is the Pretoria Zoo Aquarium ticket sold separately from the main zoo?
No. The Pretoria Zoo entrance ticket (R110 for adults, R75–R80 for children) covers admission to the entire zoo grounds, including the inland marine aquarium and the reptile park.
4. Are uShaka Sea World tickets cheaper if bought online or at the gate?
uShaka Marine World ticket prices are generally standardized, but off-peak passes, combo tickets, and seasonal promotions are made available at the uShaka Ticketing Office and select online booking partners.
5. Do aquariums in South Africa offer student and pensioner discounts?
Yes. Major aquariums including Two Oceans Aquarium and Bayworld offer reduced ticket rates for South African pensioners and tertiary students upon presentation of valid ID or student cards.
6. Is an annual aquarium membership worth buying?
Yes. If you plan to visit more than two times in a 12-month period, an annual membership (such as the Two Oceans Aquarium Solemate membership at R670 for adults) is more cost-effective than buying individual day tickets.
7. Do toddlers pay an entrance fee at South African aquariums?
At almost all major South African aquariums—including Two Oceans, uShaka Sea World, Bayworld, and Pretoria Zoo—children under the age of 3 (or under 2 in select facilities) enter for free.